Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves. – Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig. I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. – Epictetus

For there is no defense for a man who, in the excess of his wealth, has kicked the great altar of Justice out of sight. – Aeschylus